Synopsis

In contemporary culture risk is ubiquitous, filtering through a range of activities, practices and experiences. In line with rising public concerns about the management of current threats - such as crime, terrorism and global warming -interest in risk has gathered momentum in the social sciences, galvanized by Ulrich Beck's risk society thesis. Bringing together cutting edge academics and researchers, Beyond the Risk Society provides an understanding of the relevance and impact of the concept of risk in various subject areas. Contributions by domain experts critically evaluate the way in which theoretical risk perspectives have influenced their fields of interest, offering the opportunity to reflect upon the problems and possibilities for future work on risk. In assembling this collection, the editors propose a holistic and trans-disciplinary approach to understanding the nature and consequences of risk in everyday life. This text is key reading for social sciences students in a range of disciplines, including sociology, criminology, cultural studies, media studies, psychology and social policy. Contributors: Alison Anderson, Rob Flynn, Jane Franklin, Hazel Kemshall, Deborah Lupton, Phil Macnaghten, Jim McGuigan, Peter McMylor, Gabe Mythen, Pat O'Malley, Teela Sanders, Steve Tombs, Sandra Walklate, Dave Whyte, Iain Wilkinson.

Excerpt

Risk is ostensibly acknowledged as a cross-discipline issue, yet risk analysis has traditionally been centred within disciplinary paradigms. Indeed, this theoretical and empirical segmentation is reflected in the composition of existing social science collections on risk. Rather than promoting information interchange and the pooling of knowledge, risk theorists have gravitated towards distinct camps, leading to something of a critical impasse. With an eye to bridging this hiatus, this collection draws upon the expertise of leading thinkers on risk from a range of disciplines. The overriding aim of the book is to coalesce currently disconnected perspectives and inquiries to drive forward debates about the impacts and effects of living in the risk society. By chipping away at the boundaries between different social science disciplines, this text seeks to foster understanding and encourage dialogue by raising awareness of major developments and breakthroughs within particular areas. The title for the collection reflects our desire both to stretch debates in new directions and to assemble a fresh set of tools for thinking about risk. Bringing together a range of domain experts, this book marks a fresh departure within the social sciences and, we hope, acts as a first step towards establishing a holistic approach to risk and human security.